He told Sky News on Tuesday the laws should keep up with changes as media moved online.

Dr Emerson said there should be a conversation about whether it was in the national interest for one company to dominate the market "without any section of the media suggesting that it is inappropriate that conversation be held".

Shadow attorney-general George Brandis agrees the law needs to keep up with technology.

But he's wary of government flexing its power to single out any particular player for special treatment.

"This government is very, very light in its commitment to freedom of speech and very enthusiastic in its commitment to regulation," he told Sky News.